Ann Barr, vice provost and executive dean of the College, said the program will feature an innovative curriculum featuring electronic learning systems and simulations to maximize both conceptual learning and clinical practice.

"This program endeavors to prepare and graduate audiologists who are professionally competent, engaged in the community, and committed to service," Barr said.

Pacific University's mission includes a commitment to developing healthcare programs that serve underserved communities and improve the lives of those in regions all over the world. Barr noted that the program will include the addition of a patient clinic for underserved patients in Washington County.

Audiologists are professionals who diagnose, treat, and manage individuals with hearing loss or balance problems. They provide specialized assessment protocols to support medical diagnosis and directly and independently provide the rehabilitative services necessary for managing the deleterious effects of hearing loss and balance disorders.

By 2018, the projected demand for audiologists will be 16,000 nationally. Currently, there are no accredited training programs operating in Oregon (the audiology program at Portland State University closed in 2000).

Pacific's accelerated three-year degree program will be one of three in the country. Initial support has come in the form of a $25,000 grant from the Rose E. Tucker Charitable Trust.

"The Trust's enthusiastic gesture of support validates the demonstrated need for an accredited audiology program here in Oregon," Barr said.

Brian Hess, Pacific's director of corporate and foundation relations, said the University will seek additional support and partnerships to build the program into a national leader.